Project Officer Dorset Business Mentors

Joining the programme team at Dorset Business Mentors is a rare and exciting opportunity to be part of a respected, community-driven organisation that empowers local businesses to thrive. This role places you at the heart of a transformative initiative, where your work directly contributes to the growth, resilience, and innovation of Dorset’s business landscape. Here’s what makes this opportunity stand out:

• Purposeful Impact: Help shape the future of local businesses by connecting them with experienced mentors who offer invaluable guidance and support.
• Collaborative Culture: Work alongside a passionate and professional network dedicated to making a difference.
• Flexible Working: Enjoy hybrid working options and a supportive work-life balance.
• Benefits: Access a comprehensive benefits package including a pension scheme, health and wellbeing initiatives and more. Opportunities for development will be available, to learn, share skills and ideas as well as to collaborate to create new and exciting approaches. 

This is more than just a job—it’s a chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the flexibility and support you need to thrive.

What you can expect to be doing:

Your day-to-day work will be diverse and rewarding, with responsibilities that span across key areas of programme delivery:

• Be the Go-To Contact: Build trusted relationships with businesses and mentors, coordinate meetings, and help connect people with the support they need.
• Keep Things Running Smoothly: Assist with budgeting, invoicing, and financial record-keeping to ensure everything stays on track, helping us to become more efficient and effective.
• Master the Data: Manage and update our CRM system, keeping business data accurate, secure, and useful.
• Create Content That Connects: Write and design engaging updates for our website, newsletters, and social media—tailored to a business-savvy audience.
• Bring Events to Life: Help plan and deliver inspiring business events, handling logistics, promotion, and on-the-day coordination.
• Tell the Story: Compile insightful reports that showcase the impact of our work and help shape future decisions.
• Champion Local Business: Represent the programme at events and meetings, acting as a proud ambassador for Dorset’s vibrant business community.

This role is ideal for someone who’s confident with IT, has a sharp eye for detail, enjoys solving problems, and loves working as part of a supportive team.

About You

You’re organised, proactive, and passionate about supporting local businesses. Whether it’s coordinating events, managing data, or creating content, you bring energy, attention to detail, and a collaborative spirit to everything you do.

• Qualifications:
  A degree or equivalent qualification (such as a BTEC National Certificate) is ideal, though we also welcome applicants with comparable specialist knowledge and relevant experience.
• Experience:
  Experience coordinating projects or supporting programmes in business, community, or public sector settings. Familiarity with CRM systems, event support, and stakeholder engagement is beneficial.
• Skills:
  Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong IT proficiency (including spreadsheets and digital platforms), and the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines. Comfortable using LinkedIn and other digital tools to support outreach and engagement.
• Attributes:
  Proactive, detail-oriented, and adaptable. You enjoy solving problems, working collaboratively, and bringing creativity to your work. You’re curious, empathetic, and committed to making a positive difference.

If you would like an informal chat about the role to understand more please contact Holly Lagden, 01305 221268 [email protected]

This is a part-time (22.2hrs) role is designed to cover 3 working days per week on a fixed-term contract until 31st March 2027 but we are willing to consider compressed hours or alternative working arrangements to suit the best outcome for the successful applicant and the team. 

At Dorset Council, we are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future.

We: 

• provide essential services that support over 380,000 residents 
• work in partnership to make a real difference 
• value every role and the impact it has on our communities 
• support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive 

You will: 

• be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset 
• have access to a range of benefits and support 
• have access to range of training opportunities which will help with your personal development and career progression 

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve. 

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible. If you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application. 

This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement. 

If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love you to join us. 

Find out more about how to apply.